Poaching Ring Leader Banned from Hunting for Life in Montana

Ever thought of acting on that buck fever out of season? Read about these poachers and think again…

Over a 10-year period Charles “Bill” Foster and his wife, Sally Foster, committed numerous acts of illegal hunting and fishing in Montana. After a three-year investigation by the FWP into the couple they discovered the Foster couple had taken over 30 deer and elk, along with more than 65 fish over possession limits. They also allowed nonresidential family members to use their tags, and helped locals poach.

The couple was arrested in August of last year where Charles pleaded guilty to four felony counts of unlawful game possession and one count of tampering with evidence. He later admitted he failed to tag animals, took more than bag limits, and transferred hunting licenses. Sally pleaded guilty to two felony counts of unlawful possession of game and one count of fishing without a license.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 Charles was banned from all hunting, fishing, and trapping for life in Montana, as well as in 43 other states. He cannot accompany anyone hunting, fishing, or trapping for the next 10 years, and is sentenced to six months house arrest. Charles is facing a conditional 10-year jail sentence if he is picked up on any more related charges.

Sally Foster lost her hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for the next 10 years, and cannot accompany anyone for the next five years. She was also given a conditional five-year jail sentence if she is caught with related charges, as well.

The couple will have to pay over $11,000 in fines and restitution for all the poached game and fish. All unlawfully taken game and fish were confiscated by the state. 17 other people involved are also facing combined fines of over $30,000.

Lead FWP investigator Chad Murphy said, “It was a good day for the people who enjoy Montana’s fish and wildlife resources, knowing that the Fosters were held accountable for the violations they committed over a 10 year period.”